“Old ideas can sometimes use new buildings. New ideas must use old buildings.” – Jane Jacobs
I have long been a lover of old homes,buildings and neighborhoods. It is a major reason I choose to live in Portland as do many others. As a former contractor and now a Realtor I understand the financial pressures of costly renovation and the need to be profitable. Old Homes can be full of unknown surprises that equate to many unforeseen expenses. There is a big financial risk associated with taking on such projects and the person taking it on has to be able to justify it as a business decision, unless it is only a labor of love. When numbers alone are the deciding factor, it often leads to the decision to tear the home down and start over. Especially if gaining an additional building lot is a possibility by doing so. The result, far too often, is two very suburban looking boxes with “craftsman accents.” While I understand the economics of this, it saddens me every time I see it happen. There are cases where I feel like tear downs are justified but never if the home contributes significantly to the neighborhood through its architecture, craftsmanship or connection the overall street fabric. When a non contributing home is removed, the public should demand that the replacement home or homes contribute to the street fabric and architectural character.
An interesting concept that has taken shape in recent years is Crowd Sourced Funding. In the case of the Historic Markham Home on NE Glisan Street in Portland, Oregon, we are seeing Crowd Sourced Tear Down Prevention to help bridge the financial gap between buyer and seller. This lovely home is at the gateway of Historic Laurelhurst Park . My understanding is this was the home and office of the sales team for the original developer of Laurelhurst Park. The home was recently purchased by an investor who has plans to demolish the home and build two new homes on the site. The neighbors have come together in support of a buyer that promises to purchase the home and restore it to its former glory. This buyer’s current offer is $75,000 short of what the current seller was willing to take. The neighbors began a crowd sourced campaign on gofundme and are working hard to raise the needed funds. You can read more about this effort on facebook here: facebook.com/savemarkhamhome
The original builders and developers of Portland were focused on City Building and Place Making. I like the idea of helping to continue that tradition and am excited to see these neighbors already doing so. You can help by donating to the Save The Historic Markham Home Campaign here: gofundme.com/e4vsjk
I would love to talk with you about your interest in old homes, buildings and neighborhoods. If you are looking to buy, sell or renovate a home I would love to join you in that journey. Give me a call.
Chad Draper
503.927.6321